Week 23 Day 1

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Surround Yourself with Integrity

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6

He will complete the work begun,

He will his own defend;

Will give me strength my course to run,

And love me to the end.

Part of being honest and having integrity is surrounding yourself with those of like qualities. When elected president, Lincoln said, “In the formation of my cabinet, I shall aim as nearly as possible at perfection. Any man whom I may appoint to such a position must be, as far as possible, like Caesar’s wife, pure and above suspicion, of unblemished reputation and undoubted integrity.” Who do you associate with? People often are evaluated more by the friends they keep than by their own personal reputation. Abraham Lincoln knew this, and he made a point to associate with people who were respected, who had integrity and honor. Are your friends and associates respected? If not, that may be the reason you have trouble gaining respect yourself. It is important to find companions who will build up your reputation rather than destroy it.